By Justine Long
Despite the campus being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Father John Denning, C.S.C., officiated the Easter Sunday Mass in the Chapel of Mary.
While the Chapel was nearly empty, Denning was far from alone, as 270 people attended the mass virtually through the Stonehill College YouTube channel.
During his homily, Denning assured viewers that in this time of darkness, there are signs of resurrection and new light every day.
“Those great acts of grace and generosity we see each day, that we read about and witness. Doctors, nurses, EMTs helping people who are sick… parents who demonstrate patience… and young students, we see the presence of resurrection,” Denning said. “I think that is what we are called to embody during these days of pandemic, of COVID-19, to be witnesses of the risen Lord.”
Denning was joined by priests of the Holy Cross as well as Campus Minister for Community Engagement, Brittany Hoy Lorgeree, and Campus Minister for Music and Liturgy, Philip Pereira, who played the songs for the mass.
As well as acknowledging the current situation, Rev. Bryan A. Williams, C.S.C., encouraged online viewers to donate to the Easter Sunday Online Collection, which will benefit the Stonehill College Bridge Fund.
This fund was created to assist hardworking Stonehill students with great financial need -- providing a quick turnaround for our students when their family faces unexpected financial hardships, according to Campus Ministry.
“The world is in need of God’s love… we pray for those who live in circumstances who need it,” Williams said.
The mass was about an hour long.
Susan Mullen, who graduated from Stonehill in 2019, viewed the service online. She and her family found comfort in being able to join Denning for Easter Mass.
“My parents, both being Stonehill grads, have always had a soft spot for the Chapel of Mary, so we have been going to Easter Mass there since my freshman year,” Mullen said. “Father Denning’s inspiring homily truly brought peace to our family during this stressful time.”
At the end of the service, Director of Campus Ministry, Rev. Anthony Szakaly, C.S.C., thanked everyone who watched, as well as his fellow staff, Denning, and the people who helped set up their first livestream of a mass.
“On behalf of the Holy Cross Fathers, I want to wish all of you a wonderful and happy Easter,” Szakaly said.
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